Is it normal to be given a "block" like a dentist would without any topical anesthetic for lip injections?

Some injectors prefer a dental block for lip injections.  I agree with many of my colleagues below, a topical anesthetic and proper injection technique make the procedure fairly painless and reduce the risk of bruising.  As far as the use of the laser the next day,  some lasers can be quite painful, we usually use a chiller during laser procedures and offer topical numbing if the patient is having a hard time tolerating it.   Be sure to follow up with your injector and give feedback regarding your experience.  Best of luck! 

Anesthetizing lips for filler really depends on each patient's preference.  Here are some options and the pro's and con's of each choice:-Topical anesthesia-  Topical anesthesia is an effective approach at making lip injections more comfortable.  In a highly sensitive patient, topical can be applied a few times to help alleviate discomfort.  -Dental blocks- Can be effective for patients who are highly sensitive in their lip area.  Many patients do not like the prolonged numbing which can last for a few hours.  Most dental blocks are not painful to administer.-Distraction techniques- Pressure points, vibration, as well as other techniques can help decrease the awareness of discomfort.-Needle gauge- Smaller needles tend to create less bruising and less swelling.  Cannulas can also be beneficial for some patients.  

Some doctors do use blocks over numbing cream and it is down to preference. VBeam lasers can be used for any bruising. If you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your injector. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your poor experiences. Some physicians do prefer nerve blocks to properly anesthetize the lips for augmentation purposes.  As injections create a prolonged numbness, and increase the risk of bruising, I prefer to use a topical numbing agent.  Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question. Yes, as some injectors prefer the use of dental blocks over the numbing cream. However, with the use of a topical numbing cream and proper technique typically the procedure is fairly painless and the risk of bruising in minimum. I recommend addressing any concerns you may have with your injector. Best of Luck!

There are numerous techniques of injecting lips:1. Most modern hyaluronic acid fillers used specifically for lips (Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Kysse) have "built-in" lidocaine anesthetic to lessen the sensation of pain.2. Many of our patients prefer topical anesthetics as well that can further diminish pain sensation.3. Although dental blocks used to be more popular for patients undergoing lip augmentation in the past, we find that such anesthetic is not usually necessary. Patients dislike persistence of numbing sensation that can last for several hours after such anesthetic. Furthermore, this can temporarily affect symmetry, making the actual lip augmentation process more  challenging especially when trying to accomplish ideal balance and symmetry of your lip. 

Thank you for your question. Some injectors do prefer blocks over numbing cream. However, I prefer to use a topical numbing cream and if applied at least 30 to 45 minutes before lip injections it make unnecessary to perform a dental block on patients. I recommend having a consult with an experienced and highly trained injector to ensure your safety and to achieve optimal results. 

I think that giving dental blocks for lip injections is painful and unnecessary. My patients do very well with just topical numbing creams, cooling with my Artek cooling device, and vibration distraction. It also boils down to careful technique. If the provider is heavy handed, more numbing is needed, and also expect more bruising. I don't even give my patients and don't recommend ice packs after the procedure. 

I have found over the years that using a really strong topical numbing medicine applied at least 30 to 45 minutes ahead of lip injections make it totally unnecessary to perform a dental block on patients for lip fillers.  This avoids more pain or bruising. If you have bruising then you should have the V-Beam laser to help reduce this.  Best, Dr. Green

Thank you for your question. An appropriate medical grade topical numbing agent (that in Australia at least, requires to be compounded at a compounding pharmacy) and applied directly to the lips at least 30 minutes prior to any lip injections negates the need for a dental block. 
Topical anaesthesia is also the safer option as dental blocks performed incorrectly have been reported to cause temporary and even permanent tooth and gum damage. 
I recommend that you consult with an experienced and highly trained practitioner to ensure your safety and to achieve optimal results. 
Best wishes.